Apply for the R100,000 Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships for Postgraduate Studies in South Africa 2027

Applications are currently open for the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships 2027 to aid the postgraduate studies of interested students in South Africa. Apply Below:

Application Deadline

• 21 August 2026, 16:00 SAST (4:00 pm GMT)

Tell Me About The Scholarship

The Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships support Master’s and PhD students at South African universities who are committed to social justice. Awards are made for up to two years for Master’s and three years for PhD, with the possibility to reapply for a third year.

Which Fields are Eligible

Scholarships are awarded only in three areas:

• Justice (including Climate Justice, Law, Economics, Politics)
• Education Policy & Practice
• Humanities (including Literature, History, Anthropology, Arts)

Type

• Postgraduate Scholarship | Master’s & PhD | South Africa

Who Can Apply

Applicants must:

• Be a national or refugee in Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
• Be ordinarily resident in one of these countries.
• Apply for or be enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program at a South African university.
• Hold a good Honours degree (2:1 or equivalent) for Master’s, or a good Master’s degree for PhD.
• Demonstrate at least two years of active engagement in social justice work (community initiatives, advocacy, teaching, NGO involvement, public service, etc.).
• Pursue studies that address a significant social justice challenge in Southern Africa.
• PhD applicants must have a supervisor identified and submit a draft research proposal.

⚠️ Important: Applications must be entirely original work. Use of generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Bard) is prohibited and will result in disqualification.

How Are Scholars Selected

• Stage 1: Short online application + supporting documents (deadline 21 August 2026).
• Stage 2: Detailed application (September 2026) including references, research proposal (PhD), or writing sample (Master’s).
• Shortlisted applicants interviewed in October/November 2026.
• Final results announced by December 2026.

Which Countries are Eligible

• Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Where Will the Scholarship Be Taken

• South African universities.

How Many Scholars

• Number not specified; competitive selection.

What is the Benefit of the Scholarship

• Funding package: R20,000 – R100,000 per year, depending on circumstances.
• Support for full‑time or part‑time study, including distance learning.
• Annual conference and networking events for scholars.
• Membership in Canon Collins Trust’s scholar network.

How Long Will the Scholarship Last

• Up to 2 years for Master’s.
• Up to 3 years for PhD.

Required Documents

Stage 1:

• Degree certificates.
• Academic transcripts.
• CV.
• ID document (passport, birth certificate, or driver’s licence).
• Proof of refugee status (if applicable).
• Two recent payslips (if employed).

Stage 2 (if shortlisted):

• Two reference letters.
• Draft PhD research proposal (PhD applicants).
• Writing sample (Master’s applicants).
• Supervisor support letter (PhD applicants).

How to Apply

1. Complete Stage 1 application via Canon Collins Trust portal before 21 August 2026.
2. Upload required documents.
3. If shortlisted, complete Stage 2 application in September 2026.
4. Attend interview (Oct/Nov 2026).
5. Await results (Dec 2026).

Visit the Application Webpage for Details